Free Republic

The linkes article available here and above starts out sounding reasonable. The Mountain communities here were ravaged by fire and Federal funds to prevent a recurrence by removing the millions of dead trees afflicted by the bark beetle infestation are slow in coming (whats new about that?) but rather then surfing the issue "Davey Porter" the author of the article tries to spin this into something where Bush and crew are sitting on their hands while Diane Feinstein and recalled (thank GOD!) Gray Davis supposedly tried to do something about it "long ago" but were blow off by Washington. What...

<p>"Our forests are detonating like napalm bombs. We need to remove dead and dying bug-killed timber," said Rep. Wally Herger, R-Chico.</p> <p>Is this Monday-morning quarterbacking spurred by the wildfires now raging in California? Hardly.</p> <p>The Northern California congressman uttered those words in August 1994 as part of his demand that Congress declare a state of emergency in federal forests to permit quick removal of dead trees, fallen branches and other debris that fuels wildfires - like those that burned 3 million Western acres and killed 14 firefighters that year.</p>

Patrick Moore grew up in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest — and holds a doctorate in ecology from the University of British Columbia. A self-described "radical environmental activist," he was one of the founders of Greenpeace, and one of the most radical eco-extremists. In recent years, however, former Greenpeace friends have branded Dr. Moore as an "eco-Judas" because he came to realize that the positions taken by Greenpeace and other groups in regard to forests and forestry were actually "anti-environmental." Since breaking with Greenpeace in 1986, Moore has spoken out tirelessly in defense of a more sensible appreciation of...

.Up In SmokeA decade and a half of species protection planning helps bring on a species disaster in the fires of California. by Hugh Hewitt 10/30/2003 12:00:00 AM Hugh Hewitt, contributing writerTHE STEPHEN'S KANGAROO RAT was listed as "endangered" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 31, 1988. This little-noticed action launched a revolution in land use in southern California that has culminated in the fires that have now claimed at least 17 lives, destroyed close to 2,000 homes, and consumed more than 600,000 acres throughout the region. For 15 years the federal government, urged on by environmental...

Much of the firespread in California can be blamed on overgrown and dead trees in crowded forests. I'm trying to point out how "wildlife" is also in danger when fires rage. Does anyone have any info on what wildlife may have fried during the fires? Also, would like to know what kind of hunting is allowed in California. I understand the San Diego fire was set off by a lost hunter sending off a flare. I'm not a hunter, but it would seem that overgrown, thick forests allow little water and sun to normal low growth which would give animals...

OK - just some observations (a lot of irony) and questions that have come to light in my little world while watching the overwhelming coverage of the fires. I am not trying to be rude or insensitive: 1 - The environmental freaks are absolutely against cutting in the forrests that would help to prevent such wildfires. 2 - The enviro-nuts are so upset about the "evil SUVs" on the road, yet these fires are dumping huge quantities of CO into the atmosphere - far out smogging all the SUVs in California... 3 - I just heard a bit of news...

KNBC (DirecTV 383) went live at 5A PT this morning (8A ET). This is looking really bad with four separate major fires in Crestline, Rancho Cucamonga, Simi Valley and San Bernadino. A large group of homes is being threatened near La Verne as I start this thread.According to KNBC, the Crestline fire was intentionally set last night, and now threatens a large area.The Simi Valley fire is near the Reagan Library. No word on whether it's going toward or away from the facility.

Firestorm Kills 12, Destroys Hundreds Of Homes Fires Threatens Much Of County POSTED: 7:12 a.m. PST October 26, 2003 RAMONA, Calif. -- The worst firestorm to hit San Diego County in living memory has killed at least 12 people, destroyed hundreds of homes and devastated more than 128,000 acres, fire officials reported Sunday evening. School Closures In addition to the 12 confirmed deaths, there are unconfirmed reports of more fatalities, Sheriff Bill Kohlender said. Some of those killed were found in their cars and others had died in their homes, said the sheriff. The county medical examiner was investigating all...